Saint Mary's beacon., 1887-05-12

! parlor-windows shet. and, I declars
little Jenmy Cole carrying in cheers
And Just see that pile Of old iv,
rubbish at the foot of the back step:
They've been fixing up the parlor witt
garlings on the walls. said another.
And yonder's the minister. acros
a. the pOtheeary's. talking to Jeen
l Cole himselfl' exclaimed Mrs. Cole
aud he in his everyday clothes. ant
iooking. not bit downcast. Well,
fsaprose he hasn't had tina to dress
They alighted at the front door
sshers they were met by Master John,
hnFr who. suddenly boiling out, nearly
kaocked down stout Mrs. Hill before
he knew it.
Well. Johnny, how are you 2 said
Mrs. John, in tone of commiseration
And how is your poor ma. Johnny :
She's very well. 1 thank yer, ma
anil answered Johnny. with parrot.
like politeness. while staring round
upon the visitors with a beaming
countensnce.
We'll, Johnny, show us the way,
and 60 and let your folks know that
we're here. He dom I seem to care a
bit, she added, as the boy skipped off,
but then, looking around on her own
eager-eyed offspring. children never
can realize the awfulness of DEATH
They walked solemnly into the par
lor, the door of which Johnny had
proudly thrown open, aad seating
themselves in black row against the
wall. rigidly awaited the appearance
OF one Of the family.
It's mighty strange that the coffin
isn't in here, whispered Miss Bates.
And such a show of flowers! All
sorts OF colors, too!'
i smell cake said Mrs. Hill.
Just then Master Johnny's voice
w.s distinctly heard, calling at the
head of the kitchen-stairs:
'Bessl say, Bessl Here's lot Of
folks come to the circusr
Gracious goodness 7 said Mrs. Cole.
Did you ever?' whispered Mrs.
Hill.
Ard the twnganna Golas sarrre~esa
a giggle.
Presently Master Johnny came
skipping back.
! told EN- he announced, briefly.
Gran mas coming now
A little stir as the ladies settled
themselves primly in their seats.
BE quiet now : whispered Mrs. Cole
to her daughter. They're bringing in
the coffin
The door opened, and there entered
portly, pleasant-faced old lady, who
smilingly held out her hand to the
visitors.
They all simultaneously started to
their feet, with various amazed ex,la-
nations.
Why, the lands sakel'
Why Mrs. Cole!'
The old lady stopped short, looking
almost as surprised and bewildered
as the visitors.
A dead silence ensued, then ali look
ed from Mrs. Cole at each other.
1t seems there has been a mistake,
said Mr. John Cole, who at this
instant opportunely entered, having
stopped outside to fasten his horses
His wife nudged him, but he wa.
beyond controlling his feelings at this
moment, and bursting into a laugh
he seized the old lady's hands in botl
Lis own.
I declare, Cousin Cole, I'm delight
ed to see you looking so well, I never
saw you looking better in my life
And to think-ha, ha, ha to think
we've all come fifteen miles to your
funeral
To Bessie's wedding, You mean
said the old lady, still looking be-
wildered.
'Weddingl Is Bessie going to be
married.
And then, perforce, there were ex
plantations, to the great modification
of the visitors and the greater amuse
ment of the old lady.
As to Master Johnny, his delight
knew no bounds, aud he dashed int,
the yard and fairly rolled on the gras
in his convulsive merriment.
Now that you have so kindly com'
to my funeral said the old lady
smilinsly, You must of course stay Il
the wedding. 1t was kept secret til
yesterday. and there'll be only few
relatives and intimate friends-nobody
invited out Of town. But we will b,
glad to have you stay.
And they did stay. being so hospi
1 II -.l i l.. IL. g.r-.l, NJ, IT,,